Sexual healing

I have a fetish for nice, well-developed, clean feet. I would really like to know if this fetish is considered to be a sexual disorder?

Relax. Your interest in feet is one of many types of fetish that form the broad tapestry of human sexual interest. There is a rich history of eroticising feet, particularly in Chinese culture, and although it is no longer acceptable to bind feet to make them "more desirable", it is common among people of many cultures to enjoy licking, fondling, sucking, worshipping or otherwise making love to feet.

But certain problems can occur for people with this erotic style. Some are bothered by an inability to become aroused without focusing on feet - in which case they could seek treatment from a therapist (who may consider them to have a sexual disorder).

Sometimes it is the partners of those with sexual fetishes who have concerns. For example, although these partners may be willing participants in fetishistic activities, they may not have the same level of obsession and may complain about a lack of intimacy. They may have more eclectic erotic tastes, and may object to being stuck with such a narrow sexual repertoire.

Since foot fetishism has little to do with procreation, tensions often arise in couples who want to start a family. Foot fetishists should ensure that the owners of feet that serve as their fetishistic objects fully consent to what is being asked of them (for example, toe biting, or wearing painful footwear).

· Pamela Stephenson Connolly is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist who specialises in treating sexual disorders.